I haven't posted for nearly a month. Busy with Christmas preparation, and my work load increased, including a couple of trips up north.
Some random thoughts and happenings over the past month:
- Today is Christmas!! So here's wishing everyone a very, merry CHRISTmas. Last year I didn't do so well with the gifting-giving (let's just say, the best Jos' received from me allowed for slightly better viewing of her computer), so this year I had some making-up to do... two years in a row of missing the mark, and I'm in danger of getting beat up on her infamous blog, and shown to the world as a schlimazel. So this year I think I made up for my ineptness. Jos really needed a jewelry box... she got a very nice one. She really needed a new robe... she got the softest one I could find (it's is VERY soft indeed). She got lots of other neat little things all revolving around comfort. I think she's happy :}
- As for me, Jos' got me a new coat (very nice one that can be worn in the rain). She also got me a nice am/fm portable radio so I don't have to listen to static when I walk Chloe. I also got a radio shower so I don't have to blast my clunky little 10 year old one in the morning. Some other nice little gifts.. all in all, a very nice day.
- The boys got some nice gifts too. Santa broke into the house and left an Xbox (the older model, not the $500 dollar newer one) for Nate, a video IPod for Hayden, and lots of other cool stuff for both.
- We went to Sunset's five o'clock service last night and I was truly blown away! The music and story-telling was fun, but the highlight for me was Ron's message. I thought he absolutely NAILED it. It was a simple message of hope, belief, trust.. the trust of a child towards their parent... the trust we can be secure with in Jesus. The way he delivered it was just right.
- We got to spend some nice family time with both of our extended families over the past week or so. The only person I missed was my younger brother, Andy. Our paths missed each other by 15 minutes. Bummer. However, Andy's moving up from Ashland in February so I'll get to spend more time with him in the future, which I really look forward to, as we've spend very few moments together over the last 10 years.
- I took the boys to the new Will Smith movie, The Pursuit of Happiness. I loved this movie, and it broke me all up at the end. This is a story of perseverance, trust, love, strength of character, and faith.. all favorite themes of mine. I highly recommend it. It's rates PG-13, but there is maybe one or two bad words, no sex or violence, and probably not PG because there are some intense scenes. I think most kids will get some real value out of seeing it, and will begin to understand how tough life can be, and how dogged, determined effort can pay off.
- I'll try to post more often. There's been some progress on the OMT front and I'll get that out later today or tomorrow.
